Toronto Raptors
Current Record: (25-11)
(End of Week) Predicted Record: (29-11)
After last season, there was little question as to who the leaders in the Atlantic Division would be this year. The Toronto Raptors have met and surpassed expectations thus far this season, cementing themselves as the leading team in the NBA in terms of Offensive rating, per Basketball Reference.
While the rest of the Atlantic Division seems to be floundering and overturning their rosters, the Raptors have remained in the Eastern Conference hierarchy. They play four games in the upcoming week, all at home in their Air Canada Center. They suffered a narrow defeat in their first affair this week against the scrappy Detroit Pistons.
Toronto will try to bounce back after a tough loss against the Philadelphia 76ers (7-29) Wednesday, which as mentioned above should also culminate with a Raptor win. The third game they play this week will come against the Atlanta Hawks, who present much more of a challenge for the Raptors. However, much like the first two contests this season between the teams, the Raptors have the offensive firepower to edge out the Hawks in what will likely be another high-scoring affair.
Their final game of the week will be Saturday against the New Orleans Pelicans (18-19). Once again, the versatility and vast scoring options that the Raptors offense brings will likely be too much for a struggling Pelican defense.
Player to Watch: Kyle Lowry has thus far had a phenomenal year that will likely see him make the East’s All-Star team. This week he will likely continue his hot streak as he faces teams that are noticeably thin at defensive options to match up with him. Throw in his ability to share and move the ball when his own shot isn’t there, and we should be in for a huge week from him.
Next: Heat, Clippers interested in Arron Afflalo; Lakers want Greg Monroe